We are so proud of how wonderfully our children take care of our very special class pet, Shelly the Giant African Snail.
Each week, as part of our classroom routine, the children choose their classroom jobs. One of the most loved (and eagerly awaited!) roles is taking care of Shelly. This important job involves making sure Shelly always has fresh food and that his enclosure is kept damp with a few gentle sprays of water. The children take this responsibility very seriously and show such care, patience, and kindness while looking after him.
Their love for Shelly quickly grew so much that they asked if he could go on “mini weekend breaks” with them! Over the year, the children have had the opportunity to take Shelly home for weekends and school holidays, giving him a whole range of exciting experiences. Shelly has certainly lived a busy life — he has met other Giant African snails, enjoyed trips to Alton Towers, attended tennis club, sampled delicious homemade snacks, and even had a very special meeting with Santa!
These experiences have been shared back in class through conversations, photos, and stories in his journal, which the children absolutely love. Shelly has truly become part of our school family.
Caring for Shelly offers so many valuable learning opportunities for our Early Years children:
- Responsibility and independence – children learn to look after another living being and understand that Shelly depends on them.
- Empathy and kindness – caring for Shelly helps children develop compassion and respect for animals.
- Communication and language – children talk excitedly about Shelly’s needs, adventures and experiences, building vocabulary and confidence.
- Understanding the world – children learn about animals, habitats, and living things through real-life, hands-on experiences.
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development – taking turns, following routines, and feeling proud of helping Shelly, all support emotional growth and self-esteem.
Watching the children nurture, care for and celebrate Shelly has been truly heartwarming. Their enthusiasm, gentleness, and sense of responsibility show just how capable and caring they are. Shelly is very lucky to have such amazing little carers — and we are incredibly proud of them all.
